Love Fever (Contd)

Tosin didn’t say anything. There was no point, he would always give an excuse to defend himself. How would she put her feelings anyway? What would she say? That last year when he was preparing for a professional examination, he had also abandoned her and starved her of his affection? He would work all week, then he would spend the evenings and weekends studying, letting her go to bed by herself night after night. Or that he prevented her from having a maid, which she needed? Or that he had stopped spending time to chat with her? There were times as well when she was really tired or not feeling too well to satisfy him but he would have none of that, insisting on having his way. Well, she wasn’t a prostitute, neither could she be pushed about, and the earlier he realised that, the better it would be for him.

Ladi looked at her for some time as she lay in the bed, with the coverlet still tightly pulled up, to cover herself.

It was high time they talked, he decided.

“I think we need to talk. Can you sit up please?”

Tosin’s eyes flew open and she looked at him incredulously. “Sit to talk at this time? At ten o clock?”

His mouth was set and Tosin recognised that look.

“Yes, we need to talk because I’m not finding this attitude of yours funny in any way. You are not cooperating with me. Fine, there are some problems but we have to find a way to overcome them. We’ve got to work at making things work and that is what I’m trying to do. It’s not as if I don’t need to sleep. I went to work too, so I’m tired as well. But if we both use tiredness as an excuse, we’ll continue to drift apart. By turning me down everyday, you’re exposing me to temptations, as well as yourself. Let’s not give in to Satan. I think I’m trying to do my part, trying to bridge the gap. You are supposed to do the same but it’s like you’re yielding to Satan.”

She looked at him and asked in a cold voice, “I have demons, is that what you mean?”

“You know that is not what I mean. Stop twisting my words. I’m only saying that you should cooperate with the Holy Spirit and stop being difficult. I don’t think things are so bad that we can’t correct them.”

She heard the harsh intake of his breath.

He spoke again. “Tosin, I love you.”

“Keep that to yourself!”

“No, I’m supposed to tell you because it’s true.”

She knew he was right but in her heart, she cried to be understood. I want you to love me my own way, to show more care. I want to be not only your lover but also an appreciated partner.

She kept quiet.

“Aren’t you going to tell me the same?” He encouraged.

There was no response.

He touched her but Tosin slapped his hand off. “Leave me alone!” Her voice was charged with fury.

“I can’t leave you alone!” He shouted back.

“Then I will leave the room for you!” Tosin said and reached out to take a book from the bedside stool. She knew she was getting him annoyed. Good, let him have a taste of what she felt.

Ladi caught her shoulder in a punishing way and shook her. “If you’re deliberately trying to punish me, I must admit you’re succeeding, but I must let you know that you’re not only punishing me, you’re also pushing me out. I’m a human being and my patience is not limitless. A man can take just so much.”

Tosin struggled free and got down from the bed, without taking any notice of his angry words, the book in her hand.

“You’re pushing me too far Tosin!” He informed her departing back, his tone filled with frustration, but she didn’t turn around as she walked out of their bedroom to Tireni’s room to sleep.

Ladi contemplated following her to continue the conversation. I must get to the root of this nonsense, he thought to himself as he briskly strode toward Tireni’s room but the key turning stopped him midway and in annoyance, he went back to their room, slamming shut the door and turning the key as well in retaliation.

“I won’t open the door for her, no matter what!” He fumed, hitting the bed with so much momentum that he was almost bounced off to the floor.